Understanding your own learning is one key to academic success. Whether you realise it or not, you probably already know much about how you learn and what practices work best for you. Learning Styles research has lead to various ways in which to define and test how different people learn. There is no one way to define a learner and no one ‘right’ test to take to find out how you learn.The purpose of this page is to provide you with some information about learning characteristics as well as strategies for different kinds of learners. There are also links to free on-line tests and other information you might find of interest. The hope is that you will take some time to read the information, think about what applies to you and how that might influence your own learning.Note that there are other ways in which to define learning styles and other tests than are provided on this page. One example would be the theory of multiple intelligences.

Note : One of the very best sites that I have found on learning so far includes a section specifically on learning styles (with some online tests that you can take). SNOW Thinking and Learning Skills Modules: hxxp://snow.utoronto.ca/Learn2/modules.html

Modalities as Visual, Audio, and Kinesthetic
‘Visual’, ‘audio’, and ‘kinesthetic/tactile’ are titles that describe certain types of learners. Although we can all potentially be a combination of these ‘modalities’, many of us will have personal preferences for the learning modality that best suits us. Based upon whether you are a visual, audio, or kinesthetic/tactile learner (or some combination of these), you will learn differently and will have different ideal learning conditions.
The chart below describes some characteristics and strategies for learners. You may want to refer to this first or try some of the on-line tests to define your modality and then return to the chart.

• Visual Leaners

* Characteristics of Learners :
- Remember written directions well.
- Need to see material to learn it.
- May be artistic.
- May have difficulties focusing on lectures if there are few visuals. `

* Strategies for Students to Use
- Use visual aids when taking notes/studying (eg.diagrams).
- Look at a person to help you focus on what they are saying.
- Work in a relatively quite location.
- Use colour coding.
- Visualize facts/word spellings when trying to memorize.
- Take clear and detailed notes during lectures.
- Review and write out key points from lectures and readings.
- Skim a reading prior to starting so that you have a general
- understanding before you begin.

* Strategies for Teachers to use
- Provide clear outlines with headings (for lectures and possibly readings).
- Present information in a visual format (as one option), when possible.

• Audio Learners

* Characteristics of Learners :`
- Very good at remembering what they hear.
- May have difficulties remembering things that they have read. Also may have difficulties reading and/or writing.
- Can find it hard to read facial and body language.

* Strategies for Students to Use
- Record lectures or yourself reading your notes (even just the most important points). Listen to the tapes as one method of studying.
- Study with a partner so you can talk about main ideas of lectures, key points from readings, etc.
- Recite aloud what you are trying to learn so that you hear yourself.
- Create flashcards for studying and read them aloud.
- Before reading, skim the information and tell yourself what you think the reading will be about.
- Read aloud.

* Strategies for Teachers to use
- Provide clear audio information when possible and make the audio part of lectures as captivating as possible.

• Kinesthetic/Tactile Learners

* Characteristics of Learners :`
- Need hands-on/active learning (touch and movement).
- Don’t require instructions to assemble something.
- Can have difficulties if have to remain seated for a long period of time.
- May be athletic.

* Strategies for Students to Use
- Take notes for lectures using diagrams when possible.
- Try moving while you read.
- Take advantage of assignments that allow you to do hands-on work.
- Use flashcards that you can move on a table or other surface.
- Read aloud.
- Write information out (on paper, board, etc.) when studying.
- Use colour coding.
- Listen to course information on tape while you move (or recite to yourself).
- Take frequent breaks when working and move/stretch.
- Try studying in a position other than a chair in front of a desk.
- Find a way in which fidgeting allows you to focus on learning.

* Strategies for Teachers to use
- Use demonstrations in class.
- Provide opportunities for hands-on/active learning.

Free online tests :
Remember that, individually, these are not necessarily accurate descriptions of your modality preference. Try a few tests in order to gain a more accurate understanding of your learning and to get you thinking more about how you might learn.

hxxp://www.metamath.com//multiple/multiple_choice_questions.cgi
hxxp://www.mxctc.commnet.edu/clc/survey.htm
hxxp://www.ldrc.ca/projects/miinventory/
hxxp://www2.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/ILSdir/ilsweb.html
hxxp://www.berghuis.co.nz/abiator/lsi/lsiframe.html
hxxp://www.vark-learn.com/questionnaire.htm

Still more information can be found at:
hxxp://www.iss.stthomas.edu/studyguides/selfassessment.htm

Left/Right Mode Learning and Thinking Characteristics
One other way of defining learners is based upon right and left brain preferences. The left and right hemispheres of the brain look after specific functions; the left being more linear or analytic and the right being more holistic or global. People generally have some combination of the two modalities; one modality being stronger than the other while the other is still present. Traditionally, the public school system has catered more to left brain learners.

• Left Mode

“Logical, Rational, Linear, Planned, remembers names, Analytic, Objective, Looks at parts, Word meaning, Abstract”

• Right Mode

“Random, Intuitive, Holistic, Impulsive, Remembers Faces, Relational, Subjective, Look at wholes, Tone of Voice. Concrete”

Free on-line tests:
The first test listed is very interactive and includes instruction on how to save it to disk.

hxxp://www.algonquinc.on.ca/staff/strachn/braintest.htm
hxxp://www.uncc.edu/~medomoto/4200/general/right%20vs%20left%20brain/left_right_test.html
hxxp://brain.web-us.com/brain/braindominance.htm
Other On-line Left/Right Mode Resources:
hxxp://www.funderstanding.com/right_left_brain.cfm
www.eiu.edu/~edtech/teamTeach_Ex/rightbra.htm
hxxp://home.tampabay.rr.com/gifted/rblb.html
hxxp://www.mathpower.com/brain.htm
hxxp://members.ozemail.com.au/~caveman/Creative/Brain/lrbrain.htm
hxxp://ss.uno.edu/SS/Theory/RtBrain.html

By : hxxp://www.trentu.ca/academic/geography/swurtele

/slr/welcome.html

Education Tips, Learning Style, Modalities